- Circulation: 10,000,000
- Year issued: 2020
- Value circulated: 50p
- Value circulated in excellent condition: TBC
- Value uncirculated: TBC
- Composition: Cupro-nickel
- Scarcity index: TBC
In 2020, the Royal Mint released a coin to celebrate diversity in Britain. The coin celebrates the contribution made by people of all races to the history of the country. This coin will be a popular one amongst historians and as it is the first time ethnic minorities have been included on a coin, it is bound to be well sought after among collectors.
History of the coin
In 1971, the UK adopted a new system of currency. The old Imperial coins were retired and new decimal coins were produced. One of these was the 50p piece. First released in 1969, it represented 10 old shillings.
The coin had, and still has, a 7 sided design, so it stands out from other coins. Many different designs have been produced for the 50p coin, and one of the more recent is the Diversity Built Britain one.
About Diversity Built Britain
The Diversity Built Britain coin was released during Black History month, following a campaign by Banknotes of Colour.
They had pointed out that no one from the BAME community had been featured on any coin or banknote in circulation. In 2020 the first coin was released to commemorate their contribution to the country, and others are planned.
The campaign centred around how ethnic minorities from around the World have helped to shape the UK. Noor Inayat Khan, a secret agent during World War II and Mary Seacole, a nurse in the Crimean War, were just two historical figures they feel should be included on a coin.
While no BAME character has yet to appear on a coin, the Diversity Built Britain 50p is the first coin of a planned series, in which ethnic minorities will be represented.
How many Diversity Built Britain 50p coins were made?
The circulation of the Diversity Built Britain 50p is approximately 10,000,000.
Design and Designer
The words ‘Diversity Built Britain’ are across the coin. Behind these are interconnecting triangles, which form a network.
- Obverse design:
Jody Clark’s most recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
- Designer: Dominique Evans
Dominique Evans is a graphic designer who works for the Royal Mint. She was responsible for coins commemorating the life of Jane Austen and for Victory in Europe Day.
To create the best design, she looked at her own experiences, and chose to concentrate on connection. The triangular design connects together to create a working network. If one link breaks, the whole network breaks down. The network even connects with the shape of the 50p coin itself.
Variations
The circulation of the Diversity Built Britain 50p coin is approximately 10,000,000, with final figures yet to be released.
- Brilliant uncirculated colour coins are available
- 25,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 2,500 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- 950 Gold Proof coins were produced
- 200 Gold Proof Piedfort coins were produced
